Background
‘Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains’ is an online program designed for students in Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9, addressing the Biological Sciences strand of the Australian curriculum, however many of the activities will be applicable to a wider range of year levels. This program explores the importance and significance of grassland ecosystems, the plants and animals that inhabit these ecosystems, threats faced by grasslands, and the importance of managing and protecting remaining examples of these endangered ecosystems.
Students will explore a range of learning objects within this online program. Each learning object may be accessed via the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online resource link. Student and teacher resources are available for each learning object.
Aim
In this program, students will:
- Investigate the plants and animals which live in grasslands.
- Identify and map species sightings using the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains Flora and Fauna Field Guide app.
- Map quadrats both virtually and in the field.
- Construct grassland food webs.
- Manage a virtual grassland.
- Hear and view a panel of experts discussing various aspects of grassland management.
- Explore a virtual grassland.
- Assess their knowledge via an interactive quiz.
Preparation
This online program consists of a number of learning objects, which may be useful for a variety of year levels. The following program resources are available for each learning object:
- Teacher resources.
- Student resources.
- Range of individual online resources.
Activities
- Flora and Fauna Field Guide app.
- Quadrats Online.
- Grassland Food Webs.
- Managing Grassland Ecosystems.
- Talk with the Experts.
- Virtual Excursion.
- Interactive Quiz.
Discussion
- Students may interpret their results by completing the online activities provided including the interactive quiz.
- Online resources provide a strong basis for debate on grassland management issues.
- Students can apply their understanding of grasslands and grassland species to the consideration of environmental issues significant to themselves and their community.
